Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation recently accepted a $15,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant will be used to finance a self-help housing program for needy families in the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdictional area.
From left to right Tribal Council member Jackie Bob Martin, Principal Chief Chad Smith, Mary Soap, Brenda Locust, Terry Sevenstar, Cindy Sawney, Melissa Sevenstar, Johnson Soap, USDA State Dir. Brent Kisling, Field Representative from Congressman Brad Carson’s office Mark Young, and CNO Comm. Serv. Exec. Dir. Marvin Jones pose with the check presented to the Cherokee Nation by the USDA. 
The self-help program will give potential homeowners in the region the opportunity to help build their own home while simultaneously receiving financial assistance from the Cherokee Nation.
“We have always appreciated our relationship with the Cherokee Nation,” said Brent Kisling, USDA state director. “A good portion of the recent growth spurt in Eastern Oklahoma can be attributed greatly to the work of Principal Chief Chad Smith and his staff. This donation will be the first step in getting the program started in the right direction. Once people begin moving into their new homes, they will receive assistance on their loan payments to make home ownership more manageable.”
“Working together as a community is one of the most essential things to the Cherokee Nation,” said Principal Chief Chad Smith. “We greatly appreciate Brent Kisling and the USDA for stepping in and getting the program started for us.”
“Home ownership is a vital part of the American dream and this program will serve as a beacon of hope for many needy families,” said Marc Young, field representative for Congressman Brad Carson. “We are looking for many positive things to come in the near future from the program.”
Marvin Jones, director of community services at the Cherokee Nation, wants to fully utilize the federal grant to serve the families who will be participating in the program.
“From the very beginning we wanted to make it very clear to the families that this program is ultimately for them, the community,” Jones said.
Related contact information:
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org
Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma |